There is a seemingly increasing conversation about the involvement of Christians in the milieu of government. This conversation often takes on a scholarly tone that may serve to limit the dialogue.
It's hard to counter what one does not understand, or to which he or she has no familiarity or relevant connection. This blog post is an effort to establish the necessity of Christian influence in the governing of America.
I've begun reading If You Can Keep It by Eric Metaxas. He writes a paragraph that added some perspective for me,
"Therefore, if in any sense we care about the rest of the world, we must first 'keep' this republic. We are to shine not so that we can admire our own brightness but so that we hold out a beacon of hope to the rest of the world. Our exceptional-ness is not for us but for others."Seems rather like the essence of the Christian message.
He continues,
"That is the paradox at the heart of who we are. So what makes us different has nothing to do with jingoism and nationalistic chest beating. If we have ever been great, it is only because we have been good. If we have ever been great, it is only because we have longed to help make others great too. That earnest humility and generosity must be attended to."
To view the "American Experiment" as an exercise in nationalism is a gross misinterpretation of the intent of our Founders.
Our Founders sought to establish a nation based on self-government. They wrestled with the reality that no such government had long endured. The struggle for power, influence, and riches most often resulted in tyrannical leaders, whether monarchal or autocratic.
Clearly, no nation state can exist without government. The lack of some means of governance can only result in anarchy, or the absolute freedom of the individual. de Tocqueville expressed words of wisdom when he wrote in Democracy in America, "Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom." True freedom only comes as the result of a surrender of one's will to a virtuous, even righteous, ideal. Unless there is a "greater cause," mankind will seek what benefits the self.
The form of government established by our Constitution presupposes two underlying assumptions (1) the fallenness of mankind, and (2) the possibility of redemption. These two principles find their source in Judeo-Christian teachings. As such, the removal of said teachings from the governing structures of our country will have a profound impact on the ability to govern justly.
To be clear, it is not within the mission of the church to evangelize a government. Rather, it is to make disciples, baptize, and teach the citizens to observe, fulfill, or comply with the principles taught by Christ. It is, however, incumbent on the citizen to hold his or her government to account for adherence to the foundational principles on which the government was established.
The authors of our Constitution were farsighted, maybe even prophetic. With a very real understanding of mankind's penchant toward pride and power, they created a government with checks and balances to enable boundaries not to be encroached.
Dr. Franklin was right to assert, " . . . if you can keep it," in his response to Mrs. Powell's probing question regarding the new Constitution. Our republic demands a stalwart, learned, and informed citizenry if we are to keep this marvelous gift called America. Undergirding this vigilance is the need to preach the gospel so the pattern designed by our Founders remains clearly visible.
